More Random Prose from Illinois Birders

A small sample of recent avian observations from across the Prairie State. Keeping looking up at IBET!

A flock of about 40 White Winged Crossbills were observed in the tamaracks of Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside on Sunday. They were still feeding on the cones when we had to move on.

Received a call that there was a large flock of Snow Geese in the bottom area north of Quincy. The slough where the birds were landing ran about a half a mile and was filled with Snow Geese. The sky overhead was filled with geese. And in the distance more waves of birds were seen flying to the congregating area. Ten thousand would be a low-ball figure.

We started the morning two for two with great views of the female Harlequin at Diversey Harbor and the famous "Minnie the Mocker" at Binny's Liquor Store. We successfully located her (Minnie) behind the shopping carts. Minnie is very photogenic and enjoys a plentiful diet of yellow jackets and grapes from the nearby garden center!

The Snowy was on the RR tracks in La Salle Co. A local stopped to tell us he had seen a couple more nearby but we didn't have time to look for them. We had stopped for gas in Seneca and one of their Police Officers told of hitting a Snowy with his truck. When he got out to pick it up, he said it shook itself a couple of times then flew off.

Had the Northern Shrike at 10 am Saturday morn right in the spot where it was reported on Friday. It was vocalizing and singing a lot. And it was doing an unusual "dance" as it leaped in to the air about 5-6 feet and then "fluttered" like a butterfly down to its original perch several times. Maybe warming up for a mating ritual??

A kingfisher was at the shore on a partially submerged tree in the lake. Take the left pathway across from the bench. It flew to the island and back.

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